Craps Odds & Payouts Explained

What’s Craps?

This dynamic dice game has gained popularity thanks to its unique blend of social interaction and mathematical depth. At the heart of the gameplay is the roll of two six-sided dice, and the variety of possible bets creates a rich field for tactical decisions and strategic planning.

A standard craps table gathers up to 20 participants at once, where each player can act as the shooter (the player rolling the dice) or place bets on the outcomes of the rolls. A special atmosphere of collective excitement arises as multiple players can bet on the same outcome, creating a feeling of team play against the casino.

A key feature is the multi-stage nature of the gameplay, which starts with the ‘come out’ roll that establishes a point or yields an instant result. Once a point is set, the game moves into the next phase, where additional betting opportunities open up and the strategic aspect deepens.

Modern variations include both traditional live games in casinos and electronic versions, preserving the basic principles but simplifying the process for newcomers. Nevertheless, the main advantage of this game remains unchanged: the ability to apply mathematically sound strategies to minimize the house edge.

Craps Odds Explained

The mathematical structure of the game requires a clear distinction between two fundamental concepts: the true probabilities of certain combinations and the casino-established craps odds chart. The key to assessing the potential profitability of each type of bet lies precisely in this difference.

Craps Payout Odds/House Odds

Payouts in the game are set by the casino with an embedded house edge. Basic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass offer the fairest craps payouts, with a minimal advantage for the casino. For a standard Pass Line bet, the payout is 1 to 1, meaning you receive an amount equal to your wager in the event of a win.

More complex bets, such as those on specific numbers or combinations, offer increased payouts as shown on the craps payout chart. For instance, a roll of 2 or 12 (any craps) pays at 7 to 1, reflecting the low probability of this outcome. However, the true odds of success are 35 to 1, creating a significant edge for the casino.

Strategically, it’s essential to note that different proposition bets may have varying terms across casinos. Professional players always study the specific rules of each venue before playing, choosing tables with the most favorable multipliers for their planned types of bets.

Craps True Odds

The true odds of rolling certain combinations are based on mathematical calculations of possible outcomes with two dice. Fundamental knowledge of these probabilities is essential for making informed decisions at the table. For instance, the chance of rolling a 7 is about 16.67% (6 combinations out of 36 possible), making it the most frequent result.

Rare events, like rolling a specific hardway (e.g., two fours), occur much less often — only 2.78% (1 combination out of 36). For this reason, such bets come with higher craps table odds, although they rarely match the actual chances of winning.

Bets with “true odds” after establishing a point offer unique value. These additional bets are notable because the house does not include an advantage in them, providing payouts that exactly match the mathematical probabilities. This approach makes them especially appealing to experienced players seeking to minimize the casino’s edge.

Craps Odds Payout Chart

The relationship between true odds, casino payouts, and house edge is the foundation of sound craps decisions. We offer the main types of bets and their mathematical characteristics below.

This comprehensive chart illustrates the relationships between true odds, casino payouts, and house edge for various craps bets, helping players make informed decisions at the table.

Analyzing the presented data reveals that basic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass offer the most favorable conditions with a minimal house edge. In contrast, proposition bets, despite their appealing payout odds, are characterized by a significantly higher house advantage.

What is the House Edge in Craps

The house edge in craps ranges from a minimal 1.36% on basic bets to a substantial 16.90% on some proposition bets. This mathematical advantage is built into the payout structure, where the casino offers odds lower than the true probabilities of certain combinations.

The most attractive conditions are found in Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, with a house edge of only 1.36% and 1.40%, respectively. The additional odds bet (craps odds bet) is unique in that it provides the casino with no mathematical advantage. It is available only after placing an initial bet.

A medium-range house edge is observed in Place bets — from 1.52% for bets on 6 or 8 to 6.70% for bets on 4 or 10. These options represent a reasonable compromise between risk and potential reward. Field bets carry a higher house edge — around 5.50% — despite the seemingly attractive double payouts for 2 and 12.

The casino gains the most substantial advantage from proposition bets. The Any 7 bet gives the house an edge of 16.90%, while Hardways bets and specific craps combinations offer a house advantage between 9.09% and 13.90%. This is why experienced players rarely use these options, favoring more conservative strategies with a minimal house edge.

How to Calculate a Craps Payout

Calculating potential winnings in craps is based on understanding the principle of payout odds ratios. The basic calculation for even-chance bets (such as Pass Line) is very straightforward — the winnings are equal to the wager amount. Thus, a $100 bet will yield $100 in net profit on a successful outcome.

For bets with increased odds, the calculation is done by multiplying the wager by the first number in the payout ratio and dividing by the second. For example, with a $10 bet at 7:5 odds, the calculation is as follows: (10 × 7) ÷ 5 = $14 craps payout. The original bet amount is added to this sum.

Fractional odds, which are common in Place Bets, require special attention. It’s important to remember that casinos round payouts in their favor. For instance, a $30 bet on 6 or 8 at 7:6 odds would calculate as (30 × 7) ÷ 6 = $35, with an actual payout of $35 instead of the theoretical $35.83.

Professional players recommend using optimal bet sizes to avoid rounding issues and receive the maximum possible payout. For Place Bets on 6 or 8, stakes in multiples of $6 are ideal, while multiples of $5 are optimal for bets on 5 or 9.

The Odds in Craps – How Do they Compare

The variety of available bets in craps creates a complex system of interconnections between potential profitability and risk. From conservative strategies with minimal house advantage to aggressive wagers with high craps odds, each type of bet requires a specific approach and an understanding of the game’s mathematical nuances.

Pass Line Bet

A basic strategy for beginners, Pass Line bets are straightforward in mechanics and have favorable mathematical statistics. The house edge is only 1.41%, making this one of the most advantageous bets for the player. Initially, rolling 7 or 11 results in an instant win at 1:1 odd, while rolling 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss.

The option to increase the initial bet after establishing a point is particularly valuable. Experienced players often use the maximum allowable multipliers for additional bets, which pay out at true odds without a house edge. With a well-combined primary and additional bet, the average house advantage can be reduced to 0.374%.

Don’t Pass Line Bet

Playing against the majority of participants provides a mathematical advantage with a house edge of just 1.36%. Strategic features include winning on a roll of 2 or 3 on the come out roll, a tie on 12, and losing on 7 or 11.

Professionals value this bet for its potential combination with Lay Odds after a point is set. Unlike the Pass Line, this requires a higher wager for a smaller profit when playing against numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. For example, winning 10 units against a point of 4 requires a 20-unit bet.

A crucial detail — the psychological discomfort of playing against the general table sentiment — is offset by better mathematical statistics and the opportunity to win more frequently when 7 is rolled after the point is set.

Any 7

The highest house advantage of 16.90% is reflected in the significant gap between the 4:1 payout and the true odds of 5:1. Six combinations out of thirty-six possible (1-6, 2-5, 3-4, 4-3, 5-2, 6-1) make this outcome the most frequent single result of a roll.

Professional players use this bet exclusively to hedge primary wagers in special situations. For example, after placing a large bet on Don’t Pass following a point, a small hedge bet on Any 7 can protect against significant losses.

Mathematical analysis shows that on a 100-unit bet, the expected loss is around 16.9 units per roll. For this reason, this wager is often called a "tax on optimism" and is recommended to be avoided in long-term play.

Craps Bets

This special category of bets includes wagers on combinations like 2, 3, 11, or 12. Payout ratios range from 7:1 to an impressive 30:1, reflecting the low probability of each outcome. The house edge for these bets varies between 11.1% and 13.9%, which requires careful bankroll management.

Detailed analysis shows that only one combination out of thirty-six (1-1 or 6-6, respectively) will result in a roll of 2 or 12. Numbers 3 and 11 have two combinations each (1-2/2-1 and 5-6/6-5), which is reflected in their lower payout odds.

Taking the Odds

A unique opportunity to place bets with no house edge is available after establishing a point. Unlike most gambling games, these additional bets pay out at true odds: points of 4 and 10 pay 2:1, points of 5 and 9 pay 3:2, and points of 6 and 8 pay 6:5.

Modern casinos often allow odds bets that exceed the original bet by 3, 4, or even 5 times. Some venues even offer 10x or 100x odds as a promotional incentive, allowing players to significantly reduce the house edge with proper bet distribution.

Place Bets

A straightforward strategy for betting on specific numbers, Place Bets vary in risk and potential profit. The optimal bets are on 6 and 8, offering the best risk-to-reward ratio with a house edge of only 1.52% and a payout of 7:6.

Tactical considerations include accounting for optimal bet sizes. For numbers 6 and 8, multiples of 6 are recommended (to receive whole numbers in payouts), while for numbers 5 and 9, multiples of 5 are ideal. Bets on 4 and 10 are less advantageous, with a house edge of 6.70%.

Laying the Odds

An alternative strategy for Don’t Pass players, Laying the Odds involves risking larger amounts for smaller returns. When playing against points 4 or 10, a $40 bet is required to win $20; against points 5 or 9, a $30 bet is needed to win $20; against points 6 or 8, a $30 bet is required to win $25.

Experienced players use this option to reinforce the basic Don’t Pass strategy, especially when analyzing past results suggests an increased probability of rolling a 7. The lack of a house edge makes these bets appealing for long-term play.

Lay Bets

A sophisticated strategy to bet against specific numbers requires accounting for a 5% commission on potential winnings. Bets against 4 or 10 are the most effective, with a house edge of 2.44%. Bets against 5 or 9 have an edge of 3.23%, while those against 6 or 8 have an edge of 4.00%.

Professional players often combine Lay Bets with other bet types to create complex strategies. Special attention is given to calculating the commission correctly — it is charged not on the bet amount but on potential winnings, requiring additional mathematical calculations.

Big 6 and Big 8

The placement of these bets on the table often attracts beginners; however, their mathematical characteristics make them the least favorable options for betting on 6 or 8. The house edge reaches 9.09% with a payout of 1:1, which is significantly worse than similar Place Bets.

Strategic analysis shows that with the same bet size, a Place Bet on 6 or 8 yields 16.67% more profit upon winning. Over the long term, the difference in expected value between these options can amount to a substantial sum.

Field Bets

This dynamic single-roll bet strategy covers seven out of the twelve possible outcomes of a roll. Standard payouts are 1:1, but for edge numbers like 2 and 12, payout ratios of 2:1 are common, and in some casinos, even 3:1 for one of them.

The house edge for Field bets is 5.50%, but the actual volatility of these bets can be high. Detailed analysis shows that the probability of winning is 44.44% under standard rules, making these bets appealing to players who prefer frequent, smaller wins.

Hardway Bets

Specialized bets on doubles require a thorough understanding of probabilities and risks. Payouts of 7:1 for Hard 4 and 10 (pairs of twos and fives) and 9:1 for Hard 6 and 8 (pairs of threes and fours) reflect the difficulty of rolling specific combinations.

The unique aspect of these bets is that they remain active until either a winning double is rolled, a seven, or a "soft" version of the same number is rolled. For instance, a Hard 6 bet loses not only to a 7 but also to 1-5 or 2-4 combinations. The house edge varies from 9.09% to 11.10%, making these bets appealing only for short-term speculative strategies.

Summary

A deep understanding of the mathematical aspects of various bets in craps forms the foundation for building an effective gaming strategy. Analyzing the relationship between true probabilities and odds in craps reveals that basic bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass offer the most favorable conditions with a minimal house edge of 1.36-1.41%.

A unique feature of the game is the ability to place additional bets at true odds with no house edge after a point is established. This option, combined with carefully selected primary bets, allows players to significantly reduce the casino’s overall mathematical advantage and maximize long-term success.

A professional approach to the game requires avoiding high-risk proposition bets with house edges ranging from 9.09% to 16.90%, despite their appealing payout odds. The optimal strategy is based on a combination of basic bets with additional wagers at true odds, achieving a balance between potential profitability and risk control.